If you’re 60 or older, there are certain habits that you’ve likely had in place for decades—for better or for worse. When it comes to those habits that you know aren’t doing your health any favors (like having a soda every day with your lunch or adding salt to everything you cook), you may figure there’s no reason at this point to change.But scientific research shows that it’s never too late to adopt healthy habits. Take giving up smoking, for example. One to two years after quitting smoking, heart attack risk drastically drops. Starting to exercise after 60 has benefits too, improving brain health and reducing the risk for cardiovascular disease, diabetes and certain types of cancer.It’s especially important to prioritize heart health if you’re 60 or older. The average age for a first heart attack is 65 for men and 72 for women. If you want to reduce your heart attack risk, your daily habits matter greatly. One example? What you eat for breakfast. According to three cardiologists we talked to, there is one popular breakfast food that puts extra strain on the heart. Keep reading to find out what it is and how it can impact heart health both short-term and long-term.?SIGN UP for Parade’s health newsletter with expert-approved tips, healthy eats, exercises, news & more to help you stay healthy & feel your best self?
The cardiologists we talked to are in agreement that eating sausage or bacon every morning for breakfast is detrimental to heart health, putting extra strain on the hardest-working muscle in the body: the heart.Eating either of these processed, fatty meats regularly negatively impacts cardiovascular health both short-term and long-term. “In the short term, regularly eating sausage or bacon can raise blood pressure and cholesterol due to their high sodium and saturated fat content,” says Dr. Lars Sondergaard, MD,a cardiologist and the chief medical officer and divisional vice president of medical affairs for Abbott’s structural heart division.
Dr. Sondergaard explains that this increase in blood pressure puts added stress on the heart and blood vessels. When this happens, he says, it sets the stage for issues like elevated blood pressure or abnormal cholesterol levels. He adds that this happens before symptoms (like headaches, dizziness, chest discomfort or shortness of breath) start occurring, so someone may be completely unaware that their blood pressure and cholesterol levels have reached unhealthy levels.Related: Cardiologists Warn That This Is the #1 Worst Habit for You Heart (And What To Do Instead)
In addition to raising blood pressure, Dr. Estelle Jean, MD, a cardiologist and the president of medical staff at MedStar Montgomery Medical Center, says that eating sausage or bacon every day for breakfast can increase inflammation in the body and also lead to weight gain, both of which are detrimental to heart health. She also points out that if someone is filling up on fatty meats, they likely are missing out on the essential nutrients in minerals that other breakfast foods could provide.When fatty meats are eaten regularly long-term, the risks become even more dangerous. Dr. Jennifer Wong, MD, a cardiologist and the medical director of Non-Invasive Cardiology at MemorialCare Heart and Vascular Institute at Orange Coast Medical Center in Fountain Valley, California, says that the long term risks include heart attacks, stroke, renal failure and dementia. (PSA: What’s bad for your heart is also bad for your brain.) Dr. Sondergaard explains that the reason why the risk of heart attack and stroke increases if processed meats are eaten regularly long term is a result of a combination of sodium, preservatives and saturated fats these foods contain. “[It] can accelerate the buildup of plaque in the arteries, which narrow the blood vessels and increase the likelihood of blockages, heart attack or stroke,” he says.Related: Exactly How Many Minutes of Walking You Need To Do Per Day To Boost Heart Health
Cardiologists Share What To Eat Instead
Besides minimizing consumption of processed meats like sausage and bacon, Dr. Jeans says that other breakfast foods that should be minimized for better cardiovascular health include butter, baked goods and fried foods. “Croissants, muffins and donuts are often high in saturated fats and added sugars, making them a less heart-healthy breakfast option,” she warns. Dr. Sondergaard agrees, saying that eating these breakfast foods occasionally is fine, but eating them regularly may raise LDL cholesterol.Instead of getting your protein from processed meats, Dr. Jean says that better heart-healthy options include Greek yogurt, egg whites, cottage cheese, smoked salmon, tofu and nut butter. “These options provide essential nutrients, support cardiovascular health and offer a variety of tasty choices to start your day,” she adds.
Related: 'I'm a Cardiologist, and This Is What a Typical Day of Heart-Healthy Eating Looks Like for Me'
According to Dr. Jean, fiber and unsaturated fats are two other nutrients that support heart health. She says that eating fiber-rich foods in the morning, like oatmeal, whole-grain toast, fruits or vegetables, can help lower LDL cholesterol numbers and have the added benefit of supporting digestive health. In terms of foods with unsaturated fats, Dr. Jean says that avocado, nuts and seeds are all great foods to consider making part of your breakfast.“The key is balance. Choosing heart-healthy proteins and pairing them with fiber-rich fruits, vegetables and whole grains for breakfast can contribute to a heart-healthy lifestyle,” Dr. Sondergaard shares. And remember, it’s never too late to make a change.
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Sources
Dr. Lars Sondergaard, MD, cardiologist and the chief medical officer and divisional vice president of medical affairs for Abbott’s structural heart divisionDr. Estelle Jean, MD, cardiologist and the president of medical staff at MedStar Montgomery Medical CenterDr. Jennifer Wong, MD, cardiologist and the medical director of Non-Invasive Cardiology at MemorialCare Heart and Vascular Institute at Orange Coast Medical Center in Fountain Valley, CaliforniaHence then, the article about this common breakfast habit could be putting extra strain on your heart if you re over 60 was published today ( ) and is available on Parade ( Saudi Arabia ) The editorial team at PressBee has edited and verified it, and it may have been modified, fully republished, or quoted. You can read and follow the updates of this news or article from its original source.
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